McIntosh's method for Bi-Amping (in this case, the MC452) ...

[joeinid]

I just stumbled across this in the MC452 download section. It's a connection diagram for stereo and bi-amp configuration. Pretty cool I think.

http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/us/Prod...McintoshDocumentMaster/us/mc452cd1and2-01.pdf

It does show that basically one amp is setup for the highs and the other amp is used for the lows. Each amp has one output per channel and is used to daisy chain the next amp via its output to input.

It was recommended to me to basically use one amp per speaker utilizing both preamp outputs per channel which is vertical bi-amping (?).

I think the diagram depicts horizontal bi-amping.

That diagram sort of rekindled my interest. Again I realize it's only passive bi-amping configured this way, but McIntosh does seem to condone the practice. Whether it's to sell more gear or honestly give you better performance is, I assume, a matter of actually trying it. Thoughts?

​

View attachment mc452cd1and2-01.pdf

 

[PMCH]

That is the way I had my old B&W 803d's hooked up when I had two MC352 amps. I did prefer the sound over just one MC352. My B&W's did like lots of power.

 

[joeinid]

Thank you Paul. I know you prefer the MC601s over the MC452.

I am thinking about trying two MC452s and bi-amping them for my JBL and Studio2. I can just use one MC452 on my Strads with the C1100 on all configurations. I know the MC2301's are the preferred route, especially where the Srtrads are concerned. I was told by a friend that he actually prefers bi-amping two MC452 to all others, even the mighty MC1.2KWs (which I still have a hankering for, I know, I know. Sometimes that itch needs to be scratched but I am willing to try the bi-amped MC452s instead. Two MC452 seem more versatile.)

 

[audio.bill]

I just stumbled across this in the MC452 download section. It's a connection diagram for stereo and bi-amp configuration. Pretty cool I think.

http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/us/Prod...McintoshDocumentMaster/us/mc452cd1and2-01.pdf

It does show that basically one amp is setup for the highs and the other amp is used for the lows. Each amp has one output per channel and is used to daisy chain the next amp via its output to input.

It was recommended to me to basically use one amp per speaker utilizing both preamp outputs per channel which is vertical bi-amping (?).

I think the diagram depicts horizontal bi-amping.

That diagram sort of rekindled my interest. Again I realize it's only passive bi-amping configured this way, but McIntosh does seem to condone the practice. Whether it's to sell more gear or honestly give you better performance is, I assume, a matter of actually trying it. Thoughts?​

Joe - You are correct that the diagram shows connections for horizontal bi-amping, where each stereo amp receives both L & R channel signals with one amp's L & R outputs driving the bass speaker inputs, and likewise the other stereo amp drives the mid/high speaker inputs. In this case the amp driving the bass section of both speakers is likely to have heavier current demands on its power supply (depending upon bias configuration and power supply design of the amp) compared to the other amp which is only driving the mid/high sections.

The alternative connection scheme known as vertical bi-amping is where each amp is dedicated to one speaker, with both inputs fed the same channel's input signal and then one amp channel drives the bass section and the other amp channel drives the mid/high section of each speaker. In this scenario you may achieve better channel separation since each power amplifier is operating effectively on a mono signal, with both inputs driven from the same preamp channel's output (either L or R). Also since each amp is only driving one speaker's bass section where current demands are highest, it can more effectively utilize the capabilities of the power supply in each amp. Of course like most things in this hobby, there are advocates for both schemes.

While with horizontal bi-amping some choose to use two different stereo amps, one which excels in bass performance and another in the midrange and high end although you will likely need a way to match output levels between the two different amps. With vertical bi-amping you must use two matching amps to maintain consistency of performance between the two channels. So many options to consider, with all the amps you have in your arsenal you could be kept very busy for some time checking out all of the possible combinations. Hope this helps!

 

[joeinid]

Absolutely helps Bill. Thank you.

Looking at the gain of the MC452 and MC152 (for example), both are 26 dB at 4 Ohms. I think that combo could work as well.

Using to identical amps makes it easier to have everything match. I know I am making this more complicated that it needs to be but a friend is adamant that two MC452 will sound MUCH better than the MC1.2KW. I'll have to try and do a demo.

Maybe this stack of MC601's need to home with me